Crane assembly, climbing, dismantling, and configuration
Domain 3: Crane assembly, climbing, dismantling, and configuration
This domain tests sequenced assembly and dismantling, foundation and ballast, climbing procedures, tie-ins, torque and pinning, and how configuration changes alter capacity. The exam favours procedure and "what must be verified before the next step" questions.
Core rules
- Work to the manufacturer's manual, the engineered foundation drawing, and the assembly/dismantling plan. The crane must be erected by competent persons under a supervisor, with an exclusion zone.
- Foundation: verify concrete strength, anchor-bolt placement and torque, ballast mass and placement, drainage, and that no excavation undermines the foundation. Do not add or remove ballast without engineering approval.
- Plumb and alignment: check plumb tolerance and mast bolt torque at the intervals in the manual. Record readings.
- Climbing: the climbing frame, hydraulic unit, guide shoes, wedges, and pins must be in the specified positions. Tie-ins must be installed at the engineered intervals, and the building connection must have adequate strength. Verify concrete strength at the tie-in before climbing. Stop climbing at the manufacturer's wind limit (often 10 m/s) and never leave the crane in a partially climbed condition.
- Configuration: jib length, counter-jib, counterweight, number of hoist falls, hook block mass, and free-standing versus tied condition all change the load chart. After any change, update the chart in the cab, re-test limits, and inspect.
- Dismantling: reverse the sequence, use the assist crane per plan, control the centre of gravity, and lower components; never drop them.
Worked example
A crew is adding a mast section to a tied crane. Before climbing they confirm: the tie-in concrete has reached the strength specified by the engineer, not just "looks hard"; wind at the jib is below 10 m/s; hydraulic pressure is within the manual's range; guide shoes and wedges are set; the climbing frame pins are fully engaged; and the load chart for the new height and configuration is ready. After climbing they torque mast bolts, check plumb, reinstall limit switches, and function-test the anemometer and moment limiter. Missing any one item is a stop-work condition.
Traps that cost marks
- Climbing with wind above the limit or with ice on the mast.
- Assuming tied and free-standing charts are interchangeable.
- Reusing a load chart from the previous jib length.
- Leaving pins, wedges, or bolts finger-tight.
- Allowing people under the assembly or dismantling exclusion zone.